Diana’s Brother’s New Memoir Ignites Royal Feud Over Pre-Wedding Confession and Post-Death Grief

Key points

• Charles Spencer’s memoir 'Swan Song' claims King Charles III told Diana he was not in love with her before their 1981 wedding.
• Spencer alleges Charles sounded 'giddily elated' after Diana’s 1997 death and told him, 'Rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough.'
• Buckingham Palace responded by stating that 'fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory.'
• Journalist Piers Morgan is suing Spencer and his publishers over 'demonstrable lies' regarding Morgan's role in publishing intrusive photos of Diana.
• The book details Spencer’s traumatic experience walking behind Diana’s casket at her funeral and his eulogy, which was watched by an estimated 2.5 billion people.

Background

This story follows a week of intense media coverage regarding Spencer’s upcoming memoir, which was scheduled for release on September 22, 2026. Earlier reports highlighted the Palace’s initial silence and subsequent pushback against Spencer’s claims, as well as the strained relationship between Spencer and the royal family. The current developments mark the first public response from Buckingham Palace and the first legal action from a media figure cited in the book.

How outlets are covering it

The Washington Post and The Conversation both highlight the memoir’s critical tone toward the royal family, particularly King Charles III. The Post notes that Spencer’s portrayal of Charles as a 'bellowing buffoon' is historically questionable, while The Conversation emphasizes the book’s 'icy contempt' for the tabloid media and the royal family. Both outlets agree that the memoir is as much about Spencer’s grievances as it is about Diana. The primary source, Yahoo Entertainment, focuses on the specific claim that Charles told Diana he was not in love with her before their wedding, a detail that is also mentioned in the secondary sources but not emphasized as the central point. The Conversation also notes that the book is 'only another interpretation' of Diana’s life, while the Post suggests that Spencer’s account of Diana’s childhood is 'more convincing' than his portrayal of Charles.

Why it matters

The release of 'Swan Song' has reignited a public debate over the legacy of Princess Diana and the conduct of the royal family. The memoir’s claims, particularly regarding Charles’s pre-wedding confession and his reaction to Diana’s death, have prompted a rare public response from Buckingham Palace and a lawsuit from a prominent journalist. The book’s release also highlights the ongoing tension between the royal family and those who claim to speak on behalf of Diana, as well as the enduring public interest in the details of her life and death.

What to watch

The legal battle between Piers Morgan and Charles Spencer is expected to proceed, with Spencer having apologized for the factual error but standing by other claims. The public response to the memoir will likely continue to be a topic of discussion, with further analysis of its claims and their impact on the royal family’s reputation. The book’s release may also prompt further scrutiny of the royal family’s handling of Diana’s death and the media’s role in her life.